Dave’s Journey with Cancer – Telling his Survivor Story

Hi Beth. Teddy is full of small hernias (looks like he is wearing a string of golf balls on the inside all along the incision from the Whipple. In his case all doctors on Team Teddy say they are not going to do anything on the hernias. They are not a danger, don’t hurt and he has been through enough surgeries at his age. Yikes, that “at his age is scary”!!!! Well he doesn’t look it. Just ask Marion as she is his “other” girlfriend!

ladybug02142004: no I didn’t have any hernia problems. Sorry to hear about Dave’s. About the only real issue I had was few months after my surgery I developed excess fulid build-up at the surgical site, called Seroma. They attached a small drainage tube there to a bag gizmo, and the excess fluid drained out. In about 1 week it drained all out, and they removed the tube. Hope Dave’s hernia issue gets better!

This is a wonderful story! I can relate a lot to what Dave is going thru. I’m currently a 6-year survivor of Stage 2 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In May 2004, I also had a liver resection, about 75% of my liver was removed. I had follow-up adjuvant treatment of chemo (pill form – Xeloda) and radiation for 6 weeks.

I am now basically “cancer free” and a survivor. I’m also 52 years old (I was 46 when diagnosed). I also do cancer events like Relay For Life. I also just completed my second half-marathon in January this year.

I’m happy for Dave and agree with him, there is HOPE!! My best to Dave and wish a belated happy birthday! And continued success in his cancer journey!

Wonderful story and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You should send this to Rick@cholangiocarcinoma.org as he just made a request for stories today.
Good news as this is always so welcome!

Thank you Beth and congratulations to Dave and your entire family. Thanks for keeping us informed and for sharing this inspiring story.
Tons of hugs coming your way,
Marion